Hymenoptera: Bees, Wasps, and Sawflies

Hymenoptera is a diverse order of insects that contains wasps, bees, and sawflies. Many species are parasitic on other insects and are important in biological control of pests. Several groups have evolved complex social behavior, particularly in the bees and ants.

Brachygastra mellifica

The stinger of the Mexican honey wasp Brachygastra mellifica is barbed like a honey bee's, so it stays in the wound delivering venom after the wasp leaves. The process is traumatic enough that the wasp dies. San Antonio, Texas, USA.